All Hat, No Cattle

1 Corinthians 4:20  For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

There is a saying in Texas, “All hat, no cattle.” It is a put-down. It describes someone who is all talk with no substance, no action. You’ve seen them. Guys with the whole outfit; big hat, boots, a belt buckle so big it gets HBO. They also wouldn’t know an Angus from an anteater, or a Hereford from a hound dog. They look the part, but that’s it. They’ve never been around cattle, and lord knows they’ve never got cow poop on those pretty boots.

Unfortunately, through the years I have met a lot of people who call themselves Christians without any substance or action. I’ve always thought I should call them, “Big Bible, no Christianity.” You’ve seen them, too. They carry a 25 pound family Bible, they wear a cross made out of railroad spikes, and they wear a t-shirt that has cleverly changed a Reese’s Cup logo to Jesus Cup. They don’t know how to share their faith, they don’t care about the lost. Big Bible, no Christianity.

Today’s verse says it all. The Kingdom of God is not talk, it is action. When is the last time you got your hands dirty for God? When is the last time you studied your Bible, not just read it to check off your Through The Bible In A Year checklist? We need to get into action! Get some dirt on your boots by sharing the love of God with your neighbor or coworker. Do a good deed and don’t expect any praise for it. You know, live like Jesus.

Instead of “Big Bible, no Christianity” we’ll call you the best title ever given: Christ-follower.

Today’s Readings:  Joshua 3-6: 1 Corinthians 4